South Branch Staff Picks Category: Nonfiction

Although the title of this book makes it hard to imagine that it could be taken seriously, in The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning , artist Margareta Magnusson, with Scandinavian humor and wisdom, instructs readers to embrace minimalism. The idea is to clear out unnecessary belongings from your home before others have to do it for you.

If you thought this title was going to be about farming, you would be mistaken. In this quirky book for pre-teens, author Kelly Jones tackles a serious subject. Sophie Brown has had a series of setbacks and finds herself feeling like a lonely outsider in a new town. Told in letters to Sophie’s abuela, quizzes, a chicken-care correspondence course, to-do lists, and more, Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer is as much a story of grieving and finding your place as it is about poultry.

If you have not read the Baby Sideburns blog on parenting, you are in for a treat. And if you are a faithful reader of Baby Sideburns, you are also in for a treat. A collection of super funny, tell-it-like-it-is blog posts/articles on parenting: the good, the bad, the ugly and everything in between.

If you didn’t think you could put swear words in a book title, think again. This book is author Mark Manson’s antidote to the coddling, let’s-all-feel-good mindset that has infected modern society and spoiled a generation, rewarding them with gold medals just for showing up. Manson makes the argument, backed both by academic research and well-timed poop jokes, that improving our lives hinges not on our ability to turn lemons into lemonade, but on learning to stomach lemons better.

So, when a book starts out with this in the following paragraph: “So Ill give it to you straight. This book doesnt suck” you know it’s going to be entertaining, especially when it’s from one of America’s funniest actors/comedians, Whoopi Goldberg.

Seeing the title of this audio book leads you to wonder if there is a new disease out there nobody has ever heard of. In fact, this audiobook by comedian Maria Banford highlights her talents using different voices and personas to share humorous stories and observations on her life.

If you go looking for this book the kids’ section of the library, you’re in the wrong place. The author, Dave Barry, does have a number of best-selling children’s books that he co-authored but this title is for adults and is a hilarious of collection of his nationally syndicated columns that appeared in newspapers throughout the US. We dare you to read it without laughing out loud!

Are you new to computers? Do you need a refresher on the Microsoft Windows operating system? Don’t get left behind–pick up Microsoft Windows 8 Simplified today! Learn Windows’ newest operating system visually with step-by-step guides that will have you browsing the Internet and downloading your vacation photos in no time. The best part of Windows 8 Simplified? You can start anywhere: from the beginning or from the middle of the book, each lesson offers additional tips to fulfill the task at hand.

Have you wondered about the mysterious and extraordinary existence of heaven? Read Heaven is for Real to see Todd, a minister in a small town, retell the story of how his critically hospitalized son made an incredible trip to heaven and back. Todd is taken aback by three-year-old Colton’s descriptions, marveling at how all that Colton expresses about heaven matches the stories in the Bible–despite his being too young to read. Imagine having a three-year-old telling you that the angels sang to him and that Jesus rides a rainbow horse…Take the trip with Colton and his father through the next several years as this experience strengthens their family and inspires others in the community.

Do you want to become a U.S. citizen? Learn how you can get a Green Card or prepare yourself for the citizenship interview with USA Citizenship Interview and Test Practice Made Easy. Created with English as a Second Language user, this study guide is a comprehensive tool covering a variety of useful information including how to apply for “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals”. From the reading and writing practice to simple steps on how to apply, this edition by J.S. Aaron will give you a clear understanding of what you need know and do to become a U.S. Citizen.

“Meet the people who shaped modern world” says the cover of this book, and inside we will discover why!

Enjoy a full array of peculiar topics such as Daring Discoverers, Leading Leaders or Clued-up Creatives, as we learn about inventors, explorers, philosophers, etc. 100 People Who Made History is a book that has a fantastic presentation with pictures as well information.

Need extra help learning the odds and ends of the English language? Check out English Verbs & Essentials of Grammar for ESL Learners. Author Edward Swick covers a variety of subjects including Passive Voice and Punctuation. Find what you need with real-life examples that will help you understand grammar quickly.

Calling all dogs! Did you know that in the United States hot dogs are also called red hots? Read all about the fascinating history of the hot dog in Hot Diggity Dog. From its 1860’s arrival in America to extreme eating contest, reading this book just might make you hungry.

Quick, easy and delicious recipes compiled in one easy-to-read cookbook – just what a busy chef needs! This collection includes breakfast, appetizer, main course, drink and dessert recipes to suit every taste and schedule. The mix and match format of the book makes it “super fun” to use! This reviewer recommends trying one of the 35 crostini recipes – yum!